In London, ex-cop Vincent Ruiz rescues a young woman from a violent boyfriend but wakes next morning to find that he’s been set up and robbed. As he tracks down the thieves, he discovers the boyfriend’s tortured body and learns that powerful men are looking for the girl. What did Holly Knight steal that is so important to them?

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Publisher's Summary

In London, ex-cop Vincent Ruiz rescues a young woman from a violent boyfriend but wakes next morning to find that he’s been set up and robbed. As he tracks down the thieves, he discovers the boyfriend’s tortured body and learns that powerful men are looking for the girl. What did Holly Knight steal that is so important to them? Meanwhile in Baghdad, the bank robbery capital of the world, billions of dollars in reconstruction funds has gone missing and Pulitzer prize-winning Journalist Luca Terracini is trying to ‘follow the money’. The dangerous trail will lead him to London where he teams up with Vincent Ruiz and together they investigate the disappearance of an international banker and a mysterious ‘black hole’ in the bank’s account.

This one almost got away. Good story well read. The description of the novel had me thinking it was a bit of a risk. Not so at all. It took little time to engage and hold my interest. I felt the frustration of the daughter at her Dad's odd behaviour, and 'tut tutted' at risky choices and wondered how an old pro could be caught like that, and was in short engaged with the different personalities as the story unfolded. Sean Barrett was the perfect narrator.

I tend to devour audiobooks at the rate of two a month and rarely feel the need to recommend one to other listeners. However, The Wreckage is by far one of the best books I have heard in a long time. A combination of tension and suspense throughout kept me hooked over several days. I have read most of Michael Robotham's books and like his characters; Ruiz and Joe have their flaws but always have right on their side. The theme was extremely topical and the plot excellent. Books of this calibre need a good reader and Sean Barrett is one of the best around. His narration and natural ability to subtly change his accents are a pleasure for the ear. Several books have been ruined for me by readers with strong regional accents which grate and irritate. Thank you Mr Barrett for a consummate narration!

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Richard

Gifford, United Kingdom

4/13/12

Overall

"Didn't want the book to end. First class."

This is the 3rd of Michael Robotham's books featuring Vincent Ruiz I have listened to and it is very good. So much so that I didn't really want it to end.

At the beginning there are three stories taking place, two in London and one in Iraq. Each one is engaging in its own right and the only question is how will they all come together. As each unfolds there are small connections made until they all converge and bring the book to its dramatic ending.

I really like the way that Michael Robotham can jump between describing the detail of everyday London life and then doing the same for post war Baghdad so effortlessly. He is also comfortable enough in his own ability and faith in his readers not to have to spell everything out which makes the pace of the book more natural.

Then there is the reading of Sean Barrett who is arguably the best narrator around at present. The subtlety of his reading and change of characters makes you think that you are listening to a full dramatisation.

So a well written book with a great storyline that is superbly read gets 5 stars from me.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

John

Lisbellaw, United Kingdom

12/23/12

Overall

"Viva Ruiz"

Good book. Vincent Ruiz is pleasant company. The author does very good baddies. Well narrated

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Mr

Hitchin, United Kingdom

12/23/12

Overall

"Certainly not wreckage"

Excellent story and spot on narration from Sean Barrett. I really got into the characters and felt their emotions as the plot progressed. Super listen.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Natasha

bayford, United Kingdom

8/17/11

Overall

"brilliant"

could not stop listening - just a really good story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

gillian

Folkestone, United Kingdom

6/1/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Fantastic!"

Well crafted, well read. Robotham is an excellent writer and this is a particularly good read.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Andrew

Newport, United Kingdom

4/16/13

Overall

"Safe but still difficult to put down"

The Ruiz / McLaughlin stories by Michael Robotham have become my favourite series of audio books from Audible in recent years. The characters are historically flawed and have many human traits we all mirror to a certain degree which makes the stories more credible. I thouroughly recommend The Wreckage. Although the fliting between London and Iraq was initially irritating if you know the author you also know that all will be revealed, which it does seamlessly. Another terrific read albeit a little safe and easy on the ear thanks to the superb narration of Sean Barrett.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Joanne

Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

1/23/13

Overall

"Wonderful"

Once again Michael Robotham writes a great book. He is one of the writers I wait for.The narrator brings it to life. Really enjoyed this book.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

ALAN

CHADWELL ST MARY, United Kingdom

12/23/12

Overall

"Good, enjoyable story"

Really enjoyed this book, you get to understand the characters well and they are believable in a British flawed kind of way. Not too deep that you need to work out all that is happening, but deep enough so you have a good story.

The book moves at a good pace leaving you with always wanting to listen to more.

Sean Barrett does an excellent job in putting over the story.

All in all a good enjoyable book

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Linda

London, United Kingdom

7/1/12

Overall

"Absolutely first rate"

Good plot, well written and exceptionally well read - I shall most certainly look further into both this author and this readers work.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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